[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...ArticleID=27402

City salt supply strong

Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - Drivers don't need to be concerned about the city running out of road salt this winter, said Jim Elwell, the city's superintendent of Central Services.

Contrary to last season's shortages and high prices, the current salt supply is plentiful, and prices are half of what they were last year. The improved situation is a byproduct of the state using its collective buying power through the Operating with New Efficiency Indiana initiative to get sufficient salt supplies at reasonable prices for all participating communities.

Michigan City ordered 4,400 tons of salt for 2009-2010 at fewer than $55 a ton this year, Elwell said. Last season's initial supply of 3,700 tons was purchased for $105 per ton, he said, and the supply needed to be replenished with another 360 tons in mid-January, purchased at the much higher price of $176.50 per ton.

"Last year, we were way over our head (financially)," Elwell said, adding the short supply and high prices were the worst he'd seen in a decade.

Salt was applied to roads earlier last year because of severe ice storms that hit in late fall and early winter. This year's comparatively mild weather has kept the city's on-hand salt supply of 1,400 tons intact. Elwell noted some snow was predicted, and the city road crews are ready for whatever comes. The forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of snow today and a 40 percent chance for Friday.

"Right now, the best thing is we're wrapping up leaf collection by Friday," Elwell said.

q

Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.